I'll be out an additional 17K/yr until the escrow catches up. 

Also remember it will take time to get them done, during which the home is vacant and not on the market.People shop with their eyes-so many don't care about stuff that is really important (plumbing, electrical, roof, etc). 

I'd keep her but keep an eye on the mess.

Keep an eye on the market, maintain good tenant relations, and consider diversifying for future investments.

I'm more than happy to catch up with local experts like yourself.

Successful fisherman know that 90% of their time and effort goes into planning and keeping equipment ready to perform and not actually hooking or reeling in the catch..often closing on a popular or active vacation rental (often in a competitive market) happens along the same lines (no pun intended).

"Viable business model" is in the eye of the beholder.Mold can only be detected through a lab test.

She has been in the business for well over 13 years, has strong negotiation skills, and a good eye for what clients are looking for.

To get into real estate investing at a young age with strong credit, think about plans like living in one part while renting the rest, making friends in the field, beginning with bite-sized properties, using savings and credit well, and eyeing areas that might grow.

I would say the key to buying tax defaulted parcels is really having a trained eye in looking for development constraints.